Yas Island, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is home to a Formula 1 circuit and theme parks from Ferrari, Warner Bros. and SeaWorld. In the near future, it will be home to Disneyland Abu Dhabi, a new Disney theme park. This neighbourhood of world-class leisure and tourist attractions will soon be joined – as if anything were missing – by a sphere. That is to say, not just any sphere, but a giant one: a replica of the already famous, futuristic Sphere auditorium in Las Vegas, USA. This was recently confirmed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism and Sphere Entertainment Co.
Sphere Abu Dhabi, on which work is already underway, represents an investment of around €1,460 million. It is being built on a site situated between Yas Mall and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, at the northern tip of the island, and is due for completion by the end of 2029. With a capacity of up to 20,000 spectators, the venue will host three types of events, as detailed by the company: its own immersive experiences (Sphere Experiences), concert residencies and major events — ranging from combat sports to product launches — as well as congresses and conferences.
The Abu Dhabi authorities have emphasised that the Sphere will serve as a showcase for Emirati culture and talent. In this regard, the outdoor LED screen, known as the Exosphere, will display digital art by local artists, whilst the scheduled concerts will feature both international stars and Arab musicians.
“At its heart, Sphere Abu Dhabi will be a platform for Emirati culture, artistic talent and storytelling, shared with the world on the grandest stage ever built,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism. For his part, James L. Dolan, CEO of Sphere Entertainment Co., described Abu Dhabi as the “natural home” for the global expansion of the concept, which aims to create a network of similar venues around the world.
The Sphere’s location, just a few minutes from Zayed International Airport and in the heart of Yas Island’s leisure and tourism district – which already welcomes millions of visitors a year – will cement the island’s status as a global tourist destination. It is estimated that the operational requirements of Sphere Abu Dhabi will create thousands of direct jobs once it becomes operational.
Sources: Sphere Entertainment Co., Euronews.
